Ilex Crenata Dark Green 4-Pack P9 30cm

Description and Characteristics

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® is a compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub with a dense, bushy habit and tiny, dark green, box-like leaves. It’s widely recognised as one of the best Buxus (box) alternatives, with superior resistance to box blight and box tree moth, while retaining the formal structure and tidy appearance needed in classic and modern gardens.

Supplied here as a 4-pack of 9 cm pots (P9) at approximately 30 cm height, these young, healthy plants are ideal for planting as a formal hedge, low border, or for shaping into topiary. 'Dark Green'® grows with a naturally compact habit and requires minimal trimming to stay neat, making it an excellent choice for structured planting.

Inconspicuous white flowers may appear in spring, followed by small black berries on female plants if pollinated, though the variety is typically grown for its fine-textured foliage.

• Evergreen shrub with tiny, glossy, dark green leaves

• Supplied in 4-pack P9 pots, approx. 30 cm tall – ideal for hedging

• Compact, bushy growth to 1–1.2 m tall and wide (easily maintained smaller)

• Excellent box substitute: formal look, but disease-resistant

• Perfect for low hedges, edging, topiary, or small-space gardens

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® is an easy-care, hardy shrub that thrives in a wide range of conditions. It is especially useful in formal garden layouts and areas where boxwood has failed due to pests or disease.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun to partial shade

  • Performs well in both bright borders and shaded garden edges

  • Foliage stays deep green in sun or dappled shade

• Soil Preferences:

  • Requires moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil

  • Will not thrive in alkaline or chalky soils—yellowing may occur

  • Use ericaceous compost or acidify soil with pine bark or sulphur if needed

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly until plants are fully established

  • Once established, moderately drought-tolerant

  • In containers, maintain even moisture and avoid overwatering

• Feeding:

  • Apply ericaceous fertiliser in spring to promote healthy foliage

  • Mulch with compost, bark, or leaf mould to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Trim lightly 1–2 times per year to maintain shape or formal hedge lines

  • Suitable for topiary shapes, spheres, cubes, and clipped hedges

  • Remove any reverted or overly vigorous shoots to keep compact growth

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9 (RHS H5)

  • Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland

  • In exposed areas, protect from cold, drying winds with mulch or low shelter

Garden Uses, Layout Ideas, and Companion Plants

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® is ideal for structure, formality, and low-maintenance evergreen interest. It’s a long-lived shrub that works equally well in traditional knot gardens or modern minimalist landscapes.

• Design Applications:

  • Perfect for low hedging (30–60 cm), formal edging, or repetitive mass planting

  • Excellent for parterres, small topiary, and gravel garden outlines

  • Also suitable for container planting along patios or entrances

• Spacing Tips:

  • For hedging: plant 20–30 cm apart in a staggered or straight line

  • For mass planting: space at 30–40 cm intervals

  • Can be clipped to any desired shape or size

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Camellia, Azalea, Pieris, and Rhododendron in acidic soils

  • Combines beautifully with Hosta, Ferns, Heuchera, and Hydrangea

  • Contrasts well with silver foliage plants like Lavandula or Stachys

• Container Use:

  • Ideal for training into small shapes or tight cones in pots

  • Use peat-free, ericaceous compost with added grit for drainage

  • Water regularly and clip annually for shape

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Highly resistant to box blight and box tree moth

  • Occasionally shows chlorosis in alkaline soils—treat with iron or replant in acidic compost

  • Virtually pest-free and long-lived

• Size
  P9 30cm

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.